Saturn VUE Saturn VUE

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Expensive Saturn VUE repairs by problem area

Engine (31%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (22%)

Brakes and Traction Control (5%)

Suspension and Steering (19%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (20%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (1%)

Other (1%)

Chart based on 148 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the Saturn VUE.

Saturn VUE repair cost distribution

$2500+ (24%)

$1000 - $2499 (76%)

$500 - $999 (0%)

$100 - $499 (0%)

< $100 (0%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 91 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2009 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

257-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

90900 mi

US $1200
Steering pump replaced but returned because of fluid leaking, bad seal Faulty throttle body,car will loose speed all of a sudden had to limp to repair shop. The issue was a defective throttle body 
75200 mi

US $99
Windshield wiper would not squirt fluid. It was a blown fuse. Wipers worked, but squirter did not. 
86800 mi

US $4050
Replaced shocks. Fixed leaking right axle. 
98000 mi

US $273
All of a sudden car would not start- could not jump it. 
93800 mi

US $245
Windshield washer would not squirt after a week of below zero temps. Never squirted again even after it thawed. 

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2009 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

257-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed automatic FWD

56000 mi

US $472
Check engine light, DTC PO303: Misfire on cylinder #3 due to open coil. The coil was removed and replaced. DTC P0496: EVAP flow during non-purge. Evap. purge valve stuck open. Removed and replaced solenoid. 
68000 mi

US $1100
Power steering would stop working intermittently. Leak discovered from pump; steering pump replaced. Car was becoming more difficult to start. Dropped of at dealer; car would not start after parked. Jumped the battery for diagnostics and replaced with a new battery. Water would leak onto the driver side floor after heavy rains. Moonroof drains were flushed clean. 
86000 mi

US $2500
Car would not shift out of first gear.I turned off the vehicle and restarted; still no shifting. Car sat in driveway for two days; when I started before the tow truck came to take it to the dealership for repairs the car reversed and drove normally. The repair guy suspected it was the transmission computer and not an issue with the transmission itself; we decided to bypass opening the transmission and just replace the computer. Fixed the problem - no issues with shifting after repair. Passenger side doors would not unlock. Door lock actuators were replaced on both passenger doors. 

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2009 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

257-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed automatic AWD

92800 mi

US $1500
Throttle Position Sensor contaminated with water/mist/condensation from intake and oil spray from PCV valve releases. Throttle Position Sensor was replaced, and the plumbing associated with the PCV valve between crankcase and intake was also cleaned/replaced. 

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2009 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

172-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid 4-speed automatic FWD

149000 mi

US $1500
Driving belt broke. The dealer claims it was because of the compressor. The compressor got stuck and broke the belt. So, they changed the compressor for the 2nd time in the life of the car. 
189000 mi

US $550
belt keep breaking, the hybrid system failed. 

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2009 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

169-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

8000 mi

US $1500
Radiator fan wouldn't come on at proper temp. First two dealers wanted $3,000 to diagnose. An independent shop said that the problem was caused by an incorrect reflash. They replaced the TCM and reprogrammed it for $1,500. Not warranty because salvage tit 
90000 mi

US $4000
Burnt Valve #1. Multiple engine trouble lights were on including traction system and stability control. Added to cost of replacing head and 4 valves was new timing belt and tensioner, intake and exhaust actuators, coolant and oil/filter. 
96700 mi

US $650
Replaced master cylinder and vacuum booster. Brakes were locking up making car nearly impossible to drive. Went into shop three times and I will pick it up tomorrow hopefully fixed. They used a third party booster twice and are trying OEM. 
104000 mi

US $2080
Output shaft loose and missing seal. Installed used transmission. 
120000 mi

US $200
blower motor not working for ventilation 

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2008 Saturn VUE

Engine not specified

53300 mi

US $1600
Had to replace power steering pump and both front struts...crazy expensive 

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2008 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

257-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

42000 mi

US $1500
transmission 
59700 mi

US $345
battery  Tube for windshield sprayer cracked. Replaced for $130. 
60000 mi

US $660
reseal engine cover 
88000 mi

US $600
front right wheel bearing 
91000 mi

US $500
Transmission control module replaced by dealer EVAP purge solenoid 
99000 mi

US $400
sparks, ignition coils 
87700 mi

US $1200
replaced steering rack Timing Chain worn (engine light) purge solenoid stuck (replaced purge solenoid STED system 

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2008 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

257-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

47120 mi

C $984
Replace power steering rack 
59520 mi

C $1100
replace alternater & battery 
85560 mi

C $200
New battery 
63000 mi

US $394
Windshield wiper motor shorted out. Not working consistently (running when they shouldn't, or not working when they should). 
77600 mi

US $1000
Waveplate broke and decimated the transmission. Led to total transmission failure, stranding me on the side of the road. This happened a WEEK out of warranty. 
40500 mi

US $100
Replaced front stabilizer links that were making a clunking sound over bumps. 
56700 mi

US $400
Clunking noise from front in cold weather, links replaced OnStar backup battery required replacement 
58500 mi

US $100
Wiper transmission replaced because wipers would come to a stop in the upright position instead of down. 
74300 mi

US $100
Replace transfer case 
91000 mi

US $1710
REMOVE & REPLACE TRANSMISSION CONTROL SOLENOID REMOVE & REPLACE SHIFT SOLENOID 

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2008 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

257-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed automatic FWD

19000 mi

US $99
Front window washer nozzles only producing a weak stream. Dealer replaced both fron nozzles saying they were clogged 
39600 mi

US $300
Wheel speed sensor replaced 
60000 mi

US $1200
Replaced leaking radiator 
49060 mi

C $200
Wiper Transmission Failure 
52700 mi

C $2500
Tie rods needed replacing on both sides Wheel hubs on both side needed replacing Pressure release valve/solenoid replaced. Couldnt pump fuel into the vehicle and had a fault code too. 
30000 mi

US $1244
To Long to List: Lots of leaks and replacements of gaskets, seals, spark plugs and 14 things that needed replacement. 
68300 mi

US $5500
Transmission died. Some plates broke. Also replaced the CV axles while there. 
47300 mi

US $1000
heater core replacement 
111000 mi

US $300
Abs failure 3rd time 
132000 mi

US $1500
Replaced failing steering fluid pump. Replaced leaking high pressure steering fluid line. 

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2008 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

257-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed automatic AWD

102000 mi

US $1300
Emissions sensor; also installed new brake pads all the way 'round 
106000 mi

US $1000
trouble shifting from third to fourth and into reverse, affected parts replaced 
9000 mi

US $28500
Emissions sensor bad, replaced. Mechanic then encountered MANY computer problems. Wiring appreas the issue. Tear down of vehicle required. A week in the shop before traded it in for a newer of the same (newer in the production line). SOLD! 

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2008 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

222-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic AWD

43400 mi

C $1450
Power steering hoses leaking, Power steering pump burnt out Battery weak Body Control Module 
44200 mi

C $700
Rust under rear hatch lift handle. Paint bubbling all across under hatch lift handle. Not a hole so 100,000 km, 6 year warranty did not apply. 
72540 mi

C $421
Oil leak in differential 
47760 mi

C $756
Leaking radiator replaced 
75640 mi

C $648
Transmission cooler lines leaking at crimps 
86800 mi

C $1679
Heater core leaking. Replace heater core 
92380 mi

C $1300
Rear hatch, lift handle, repaired again rust in corners. Repaired in 2013. 
111600 mi

C $3500
Replaced both front struts, stabilizer links and wheel alignment crankshaft sensor failed. had to be replaced. 
76000 mi

US $31000
ENTIRE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED! 

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2008 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

169-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

111000 mi

US $1300
Replaced blown front struts A/C recharge Replaced thermostat 
116000 mi

US $1100
Replaced axel seal Replaced Front Struts 

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2007 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

248-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic FWD

950000 mi

US $250
Ignition switch broke; new switch installed, key fobs reprogrammed. New switch does not have steering wheel lock and was told replacement switch does not have this feature. GM BS, not happy. 
104000 mi

US $1500
fill sensor and coolant reservoir replacement,  right front wheel bearing replacement. 
142000 mi

US $800
Wheel bearings (front) 
64000 mi

US $1750
Air conditioning compressor replaced. 
6200 mi

C $150
Still no fix for this damm engine pinging problem. This is driving me to the wall! 
11780 mi

C $100
100 for inspection cost and they forgot to change oil, have to go back. And of course still has pinging problem which they told me not to worry about it(ya right). 
17360 mi

C $700
It is absolutely horrible to say the dam least that I have to pay for bushing mount replacements. Buying this "POS" has been the biggest mistake in my entire life! 
21700 mi

C $150
powertrain software flash to fix transmission issue 
31300 mi

C $1000
both ABS sensors failed on front. Whole kit with bearings had to be changed cause saturn likes to put bearings and sensors in the same device. Everything is breaking down I don't know next. 

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2007 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

248-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

117500 mi

US $900
Cylinder misfire message was due to malfunctioning fuel injector. Injector was stuck open and needed to be replaced. 
123200 mi

US $514
engine starter motor failed. 
124000 mi

US $1350
control arms were damaged/loose? 
127000 mi

US $400
front driver's side wheel bearing was humming, buzzing. 
131200 mi

US $750
brakes, rotors, calipers. less than 20k miles since last time pads and rotors replaced. already need to replace again. sunroof was leaking. thought that the seal/gasket might be failing. Techs cleaned the drainage system. That appears to have solved the leak problem so far. 
134500 mi

US $160
passenger side windshield wiper motor failed. this in turn caused damage to driver side wiper due to wipers becoming tangled. Wiper assembly need to be replaced along with the motor for the passenger side wiper. 
135000 mi

US $475
alternator died. was replaced. 
136000 mi

US $1400
once again, replacing brakes, pads and rotors. Frozen caliper. I seriously question the quality of the parts at the Chevy dealership at this point. I am replacing the brakes >10k miles or every 18 months . bad wheel bearing on passenger side was replaced. causing ABS system to trigger during slow rolling stops. wiper fluid pump failed. 
145500 mi

US $200
break line broke and was replaced 
47740 mi

C $199
Resonator replaced by Muffler Shop for $199. Thats a 1/4 of the price from dealer. Failed Resonator upon inspection had cracked and perforated around a weld. Muffler shop welded in a new aftermarket SS resonator.Dealer never called back! 
89900 mi

C $1400
worn drive shaft centre support bearing check engine light intermittently comes on 
121000 mi

US $1400
Some electrical thing near left side of wheels. Also the hood mechanism had to be replaced. The hood could not be opened initially. 

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2007 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

170-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid 4-speed automatic FWD

90000 mi

US $1500
Hybrid battery management module had to be replaced. 
92000 mi

US $400
Replace front wheel bearing 
51000 mi

US $710
Removed and replaced serpentine belt and belt tensioner. Tensioner had failed, making it so the motor generator wouldn't automatically restart the engine after shutting off at a light. 
51200 mi

US $1358
Failed Battery Electric Control Module 

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2007 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

143-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD

80600 mi

C $1000
car unused 2 years. unseized engine, replaced alternstor, battery, belts, all brakes 

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2007 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

143-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

75020 mi

C $250
I'VE HAD IT WITH SATURN. IT HAS BEEN CLOSE TO A MONTH NOW AND I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING UNSATISFACTORY AND PISSED WITH THIS BRAND. THERE WERE PROMISES TO GET THE PARTS SOONER AND HAVE NOT FULFILLED THIS. 
76020 mi

C $250
compressor doesnt work. no air conditioning at this time. order parts from the SOURCE 2007 compressor was discontinued on the 2007 hybrid system. got the parts from somewhere after 2 weeks. Presently air condition is working now.They also fo 
99180 mi

C $2000
ac not working. PRTS ORDERED AND REPLACE. EVRYTHING WORKS NOW 
102300 mi

C $500
A warning engine light was noticed and was brought to the dealership for evaluation. I was told that the hybrid battery on my vehicle has to be replaced. The new Hybrid battery was replaced and vehicle works fine. 
124100 mi

C $2000
No charge coming from the alternator. Dealer #1 change battery but decline alternator module. Tried to shop around for parts for almost a month, not avail aftermarket but available only to dealership because it is a hybrid (bs). 
128820 mi

C $156
need to replace link...not an emergency replacement 
78740 mi

C $250
Engine service light comes on sporadically. It turned out it was a software glitch where if you restart the car without having turned the key all the way off (waiting and listening to the radio) the check engine light comes on. 
84200 mi

C $250
noisy wheel bearing replaced 
86800 mi

C $500
the tensioner for the alternator belt assembly broke free. It took several days, due to Christmas Holidays to get the part. 
152200 mi

C $1500
required new alternator required new O2 sensor 
154260 mi

C $500
Car wouldn't stat. Required new (reconditioned) starter 

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2007 Saturn VUE 4-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

40000 mi

US $133
The fuel gauge was not working correctly as it would not register how much gas in tank. 2 parts were replaced and currently is working correctly. 
82000 mi

US $1500
Was a sensor that kept the car from starting.  Also replaced was battery fuel pump and starter. 

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2006 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

250-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic FWD

87400 mi

C $1300
Needed a new ac compressor 
88400 mi

C $550
The alternator stopped charging the battery. Car battery light came on and eventually stopped running. Had it towed to a shop. 
93780 mi

C $900
Engine was cranking but wouldn't start. Had it towed to dealership. The PCM wasn't responding. Put in a used one. 
80000 mi

US $100
Replaced rear wheel bearing hub. 
121000 mi

US $1900
Replaced compressor, dryer, condenser coil, system recharge Replaced two oxygen sensors 
136000 mi

US $100
Replaced left rear wheel bearing and hub assembly. Bought replacement part from RockAuto online. 
137000 mi

US $200
Replaced front rotors and brake pads. Also bled brakes and ran new brake fluid through all brake cylinders, 
138000 mi

US $200
Replaced alternator, serpentine belt and belt tensioner. 
138000 mi

US $150
Replaced broken driver's side vent glass. No idea what caused it. Just spotted it one morning. No one had broken into the car. I was mowing with my riding lawnmower the afternoon before and may have thrown a piece of gravel at it. 
38000 mi

US $528
R2 driver's window motor and relay. Window stuck in the down position. 
47000 mi

US $446
Replaced window motor assembly in passenger side window. Window stuck in down position. 
49000 mi

US $350
Replace driver door lock mechanism (latch that holds the door closed) Latch unit replaced. Cleaned and lubricated passenger side mechanism. 
58000 mi

US $1000
Failed emissions due to check engine light - ended up replacing the fuel pump module on the top of the fuel tank. State paid for an additional $550 (total repair would have been $1550.) 
156000 mi

US $1200
Valve adjustment 
90000 mi

US $100
broken sway bar link on passenger side. Replaced both links and sway bar as it was also damaged while replacing sway bar and links I believe dealership technician damaged one of the pipes that connects to the ehxaust manifold. Dealership classifed problem as present in car when broght in it was not car did not have issue before visit 
135800 mi

US $250
Replaced starter 
147500 mi

US $1100
Lower control arms, ball joints, inner and outter tie rods, struts and strut mounts, sway bar links and bushings, rear shocks cv joints. 
150800 mi

US $700
Motor mounts-replaced Timing belt tensioner failed 
155000 mi

US $300
Left bearing starting humming dried out unit replaced both sides 
165000 mi

US $350
replaced alternator 
169000 mi

US $180
Car misfiring replaced spark plugs and coils have ordered O2 sensors as well 

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2006 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

250-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

71300 mi

C $3000
air cond.compressor replaced 
80800 mi

C $1794
bearing assembly, brakes, 
80700 mi

C $503
front and rear control arm bushings plus alignment 
81220 mi

C $249
rear camber bolt kit and set aligbment 
81220 mi

C $2200
Replaced front left wheel bearing (making noise from 70 to 80km Torque Converter shudder. Replaced converter and filter Shuttering while coasting. 
55000 mi

US $1000
High pressure seal was leaking. Replaced seal. 

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2006 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

143-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD

55180 mi

C $130
Left Front Link needed replacement. Left Front Wheel Link replaced. (1yr warranty) Rear Drums and Adjusters rusted & required cleaning 
65720 mi

C $470
-Right Front link replacement. -Left Front tie rod replacement -Tension assembly replacement -Engine belt assembly 
72840 mi

C $165
Front Left and Right links replaced. Right link was still under warranty. Creaking and knocking sounds when making full turns. Mechanic says it will be costly to disassemble column to find problem. Suggest going to GM and asking about whether there was a recall or repair bulletin. 
75100 mi

C $200
Loud humming from front driver side wheel. Wheel bearing assembly replaced. $170 + labour. Battery dies if radio left on or doors left open without engine running. 
71860 mi

C $123
False "Low oil" warn light reading. 
80840 mi

C $1000
Wary of the 'low oil' light coming after my last experience, I waited too long to have a mechanic look at, so engine was damaged and had to be replaced entirely. 
91140 mi

C $490
Steering had a "loose" feeling. i.e. I'd have to turn the wheel more than 360 degrees just to make a right turn. Then the wheel wouldn't return. Intermediate steering shaft replaced. New sway bar link. 
93620 mi

C $200
Rattling sound from engine. Small welding job required. 
94240 mi

C $900
Shifter cable seized. Car was towed. Cable replaced. Keys had difficulty turning ignition. Would jam sometimes. Key could be removed while car running. 
95480 mi

C $400
Left front link kit and sway bars replaced. 
101060 mi

C $200
The engine gave out after it was replaced last year. The mechanic says there was extensive damage and failure in the engine beginning with the timing belt, pistons etc. The car has been junked. Good bye plastic car. 

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2005 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

250-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic FWD

75000 mi

US $1000
noise in torque converter 
53000 mi

US $533
Had Sears replace shocks and struts. 
59000 mi

US $150
Had to replace rear hatch lift cylinders 
74000 mi

US $200
Side panel on driver seat broke for the third time. The driver side seat control panel crushes the foam when you swing out to exit vehicle. It also breaks off the tiny plastic stand-off that holds it to seat frame. Replaced it and seat cushion.  
76000 mi

US $255
Drivers seat heater damanged while replacing seat foam. Replaced. Oil change. Trip check. 
79000 mi

US $240
Bought new oem seat heater on Internet. Hired mechanic to install it and do routine service. 
81000 mi

US $150
Emerg flasher switch pushed through the dash mounting hole. Not easy to access. Glued back in. 
82500 mi

US $380
Driver side axle was clicking. Replaced. 
84000 mi

US $392
Replace failing (clicking) passenger side drive axle. 
84200 mi

US $195
Key sticking in ignition switch. Replaced lock cylinder. 
85900 mi

US $175
Intermittent loud grinding/clicking noise when shifting into reverse and after accelerator is pushed. Worse when backing up steep hill or bump. Could not duplicate problem. Elected to do a drain & fill of transmition. Did not resolve problem. 
96000 mi

US $1000
Would not cool at lower than 2000 RPMs. Replaced compressor. Had him do the 100,000 mile service at the same visit. 
100000 mi

US $1100
Replaced both headlight assemblies due to fogging. Replace timing belt, water pump, pully and related parts.  Replaced air conditioning compressor. 
103000 mi

US $107
Map light switch mount broke. Shop had to drop headliner to access. In that process, they did some sort of electrical damage and lights no longer worked. Took car to Auto Electric shop for partial repair. 
111000 mi

US $200
Had to replace both headlight assemblys due to lamp housing plastic breakdown. Could no longer adjust. 
114000 mi

US $630
Replace entire braking system, front & rear excluding hydraulic system 
118000 mi

US $300
Another shop set parking brake. I didn't notice it until I got home. Ruined rear brakes. Had new linings installed and turned drums. 

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2005 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

250-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

84940 mi

C $5000
trans would go to neutral when coming to stop. trans was repbuilt after waiting for parts. 
94860 mi

C $1500
o2 sendor 
76000 mi

US $5200
transmission failure including replacement of 4 sensors main shaft rear driveshaft support bearing. Problem was caused by a leak in the cooler for the transmission, which is in the radiator. Radiator was also replaced to solve problem. radiator replaced due to leak of transmission cooler that is inside the radiator 

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2005 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

143-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

109000 mi

US $12500
Idling roughly, injection system needed to be cleaned 
198000 mi

US $900
Replace front tie rods and mounts. Replace front wheel bearing. 
226800 mi

US $350
Replaced indipendant sway bar 
248000 mi

US $268
A new alternator was needed. 
261000 mi

US $850
The AC was totally replaced including where it connects to the manifold. 
77300 mi

US $1729
replaced compressor, clutch relay, condensor, dryer, 

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2004 Saturn VUE

Engine not specified

116000 mi

US $2200
Transmission only operates in Drive or reverse. I have previously replaced the Torque Convertor and did not want to sink more money into this vehicle's transmission. It has been a problem since I bought the car. 

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2004 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

250-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic FWD

112000 mi

US $375
Lock on trunk. AC knob broke. 
133000 mi

US $129
Check Engine light on, reset computer and resolved issue. Tech said if it happens again, the computer module will most likely need to be replaced. Oil was changed at this time. 
134000 mi

US $100
Also, charged AC system, was not cool anymore. 
158000 mi

US $1400
Compressor and other major parts of ac were bad. Replaced parts working great but it was expensive. 
188000 mi

US $250
Replaced sway bar bushings, front strut assemblies 
197000 mi

US $6000
Replaced both front wheel bearing assemblies. Had headlight lenses polished also. 
198000 mi

US $550
Car idling rough.Replaced 1 coil pack, mechanic thought cam timing off. He rechecked previous work and 1 cam off a tooth. Reset on timing belt properly.Engine runs fine now. 
203000 mi

US $500
Power loss light, not drivable. Accelerator made no change to engine rpm, just slightly above idle. Replaced throttle body (Bad throttle control assembly) and ECU for engine. 
217000 mi

US $490
Replaced right front wheel bearing Replaced drivers side cv/axle assembly. Boot torn bearing failing. 
218000 mi

US $300
Replaced broken stabilizer bar. Hit pothole,cracked on drivers side. Probably already worn beforehand, as replacing it eliminated a clunk. 
228000 mi

US $250
Drivers side front wheel bearing replaced. 
238000 mi

US $300
Replaced rotors, pads, calipers, rear drums, rear linings, rear wheel cylinders 
238000 mi

US $300
Replaced front brake hoses, drivers side hose intermittently blocked causing brake pads to stick..Enough to smoke (nearly caught fire once) 
249000 mi

US $195
Replaced broken serpentine belt..Replaced battery 
255100 mi

US $140
Replaced drivers side front wheel bearing 
263000 mi

US $200
Replaced passenger side wheel bearing Replaced exhaust system 
278000 mi

US $330
Replaced (2) front calipers Cleaned throttle body 
282000 mi

US $250
Replaced rear wheel bearing,  outer tie rods 

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2004 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

250-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

67450 mi

US $1700
Replaced torque converter. Input shaft grinds upon entry into torque converter. Transmission shop claims this is a transmission defect. NOTE: This is a Honda transmission and I feel they are responsible for the defect, not GM. 
100300 mi

US $600
4 wheel half shaft bearing & joint 
120000 mi

US $700
Repair stripped oil drain Driver front wheel bearing assembly 
129000 mi

US $1700
Full front brakes rotors, calipers and hoses. Control arms and bushings. 
159000 mi

US $450
Wheel bearing. Front brake pads too. Independent shop covered cost of part as it failed prematurely Front pads too, bearing failed prematurely so covered under warranty 
166000 mi

US $450
Rear cylinders, shoe actuators and shoes 
213000 mi

US $1400
Shocks struts all the way around alignment lock gas cap wipers engine light was on oil change it still makes noise engine light pops on and off lock gas cap wipers engine light was on oil change. Engine light still comes on 
90000 mi

US $1500
replaced noisy compressor, a/c clutch, expansion valve, accumulator assy. replaced radiator, slight leaking from fittings on tank. replaced from pads and rotors 
118200 mi

US $244
oxygen sensor and oil change 
133000 mi

US $1100
Replaced wheel bearing,  also found CV joint and axel needed replacement as well. Caliper failed, had to replace it and brake hose and all front pads. 
142300 mi

US $756
Axle 

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2004 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

143-horsepower 2.2L I4 CVT FWD

114700 mi

US $5200
CVT transmission belt shattered, destroyed transmission - 
118000 mi

US $600
a/c compressor went out, ordered replacement kit online for $399, labor $200 

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2004 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

143-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD

90000 mi

US $840
Cable end link(s) failed in manual transmission dropping Reverse gear. Serpentine belt needed replacement due to multiple cracks extending 1/4 of its width. 
96000 mi

US $3790
Whole 5 speed transmission failed. No choice given except to replace. Dealer couldn't fix it. Nearly impossible to shift into gear or between gears etc. Just plain unsafe. 
121000 mi

US $320
Flexible connector block to tailpipe broke and needed repair by welding new flex pipe. 
125700 mi

US $671
Faulty fuel pump pressure sender. Tank had to be dropped, sender replaced and road tested. 
73000 mi

US $1800
Repaired engine from previous trip increased pressure on rest of motor. Motor blew oil rings (30 MP qt) Found out that grinding an aluminium motor head can cause this problem. Replaced with 2006 Cobalt 2.2. Total labor and motor was $1600.  
60000 mi

US $350
Rear Wiper motor didn't work. 
71000 mi

US $100
Leak coming in passenger front footwell from the center console. Cleaned sunroof drains, but is still leaking. 
89000 mi

US $1500
Master cylinder went out, taking clutch, and slave cylinder with it. Total cost was half parts, half labor. 
68000 mi

US $1500
brkes, incl pads,rotors and calipers (front only) rear-ok.  oil leak.  front wheel bearing. 
156300 mi

US $1000
New head,valves,lifters,gaskets,water pump,oil pump,timing chain and all associated parts, camshafts, Replaced ac evaporator, receiver drier, heater core, and expansion valve New front struts,tie rods,sway bar bushings,lateral arm bushings, trailing arm bushings,control arm bushings,stabilizer arms.rear shocks. 
166200 mi

US $280
Replace fuel pump module 
167000 mi

US $400
Replaced catalytic converter. Replaced coilpack and ecm 
177000 mi

US $415
Clutch, slave cylinder, rear main oil seal, both output seals. Both lower knuckle joints. 
186000 mi

US $1289
Needed to replace master and slave clutch cylinders, along with clutch. 
190000 mi

US $166
Replace shocks and struts (KBC) 
86000 mi

US $1560
Clutch Kit Replacement 

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2004 Saturn VUE

4-cylinder automatic AWD

145000 mi

US $1770
the 3rd transmission on this Vue went out. Just stopped this time with no warning. 

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2003 Saturn VUE

Engine not specified

146500 mi

US $1000
driving at about 45mph car boged down and came to a stop towed it home discovered catalyit conv pluged replaced runs fine 
149700 mi

US $800
Plugged catalytic converters 

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2003 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

181-horsepower 3.0L V6 5-speed automatic FWD

64589 mi

US $116
Rear Wheel Hub Assy 
93500 mi

US $400
Replaced thermostat.  
103300 mi

US $120
Replaced Left Front Wheel Hub Ass'y 
110000 mi

US $1000
Front Brakes Locking - replaced Rotors, Pads, Calipers and LF Brake Hose Exhaust leak - replaced 2 Flex Connectors 
113000 mi

US $400
Replaced RF Brake Line. Replaced A/C Compressor, Expansion Valve and Accum/Dryer. 
114000 mi

US $700
Replaced 2 pre-Cats and Main Cat 
117000 mi

US $650
Engine stalling and rear wiper, DRLs and door locks malfunctioning. Replaced ECM and BCM. 

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2003 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

181-horsepower 3.0L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

58000 mi

US $700
Fuel tank leak. Replaced tank. 
81000 mi

US $1900
Tires, alignment/balance, water cooler 
105000 mi

US $400
key stopped working, they had to put in a new key mechanism 
113000 mi

US $1200
needed a full a/c replace 
130500 mi

US $339
Replaced Thermostat 
149000 mi

US $1144
Replace left front wheel bearing replaced refrigeration compressor 
78000 mi

US $375
ABS right rear sensor within the hub was bad and was replaced. 
79000 mi

US $1100
2 front reflex struts 2 mounting plates adjust right front spring F.E.A. (front end alignment) Upon replacing right front strut notice front spring not installed properly from factory. Corrected and front end had to be aligned 
79000 mi

US $1837
1 front Y pipe and catalytic converter. 1 front pipe and catalytic converter. Exhaust noise detected one converter bad removed and second failed while removing the first. Vehicle has 3 converters overall. 
172000 mi

US $300
oil leaking out the bottom of engine, found o ring cracked from prior oil change.  Then also had rear windshield wiper motor replaced. 
142000 mi

US $117
Headlight-bright lights stalk stopped working 
161000 mi

US $400
Central cupport bearing came loose 
209000 mi

US $1200
hole in condenser, freon leaked out. possibly caused by rock. dashboard light indicated problem with abs, abs sensor was replaced on rt rear wheel, also had to replace wheel bearing While wheel bearing was off, mechanic noted that part of stabilizer bar had broken 
34501 mi

US $280
New brake pads. Front rotors machined. Peeling cloth on sunroof shade replaced under warranty. 
38360 mi

US $1646
Oil cooler leak repaired. Valve body gasket replaced. Oil pan leak repaired. 2 tires replaced w/ alignment. 
41582 mi

US $2064
SES light, transmission failed to shift properly. Leak found in windshield. Leak causing transmission not to shift properly. Windshield replaced. Wiring harness replaced. 2 tires replaced. 
49802 mi

US $988
Horn stuck on when locking vehicle w/ keyfob. Ignition cylinder/lock replaced. Horn replaced. Body Control Module replaced. Engine cooling fan resistor replaced. New BCM makes gas gauge read short 1/8 tank. 
50444 mi

US $104
Horn stuck on when locking vehicle w/ keyfob. BCM replaced 2nd time. Aribag replaced. Fuel senders replaced. Fuel gauge still reads short 1/8 tank 
55899 mi

US $512
Vibration in steering column & accelerator pedal at 65+ mph. Rattle in suspension at speeds under 50 mph. Rattle in suspension/steering wheel/gas pedal. Intermediate steering shaft replaced. Alignment & wheels balanced. 
66000 mi

US $1500
Replaced upper steering column / power steering motor. Still rattles & vibrates somewhat less than before. 
68000 mi

US $645
Right from wheel bearing started howling on acceleration / deceleration. Bearing replaced.  Body control module failed. Interior lights stuck on, no power steering/doors/locks. Computer was replaced 

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2003 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

143-horsepower 2.2L I4 CVT FWD

105000 mi

US $3400
Transmission replacement 
90000 mi

US $2000
Engine Replacement 
160000 mi

US $4800
3rd VTI Transmission Transmission replacement 

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2003 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

143-horsepower 2.2L I4 CVT AWD

98000 mi

US $1000
Brand new tramsmission (Covered). new fuel pump front linkage (3rd time) 
120000 mi

US $3000
Engine replaced 
184400 mi

US $200
Replaced Front Passenger caliper and brake lines 

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2003 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

143-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD

226000 mi

US $1500
Transmission started to go out so ordered a used one and put it in. 
158000 mi

US $711
body control module fixed all kinds of odd problems from the dashboard display lights to car not running after starting with the door open. 
164000 mi

US $1440
Brake flex line had rust in it which caused driver side brake to stay engaged. Dealer replaced the drums, rotors, etc. and the problem remained (and they THEN replaced the flex line). 
89000 mi

US $885
Body Control Module (BCM) failure required replacement 
105000 mi

US $415
Ignition lockset failed and needed to be replaced 
108000 mi

US $1300
Vac code for gas cap and seal 
113000 mi

US $1400
Broken sway bar replaced 
49000 mi

US $250
Front tie rods replaced to eliminate groaning in steering assembly. 
64000 mi

US $1200
Ignitions switch would not turn. 
67300 mi

US $931
Leak in fuel line right below the fuel tank. Parts hard to find for Saturns no longer in business. Re-inspected ignition switch. 

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2003 Saturn VUE 4-door

4-cylinder manual 2WD

78000 mi

US $2500
Known VUE problem of the timing chain tensioner breaking - which it did - causing timing chain to shatter valves and metal through the pistons requiring new engine. 

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2002 Saturn VUE

Engine not specified

146000 mi

US $1000
the head gasket went and we got rid of the car. We were very upset in that we had put over $3,000 into the car in less than 2 years. 

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2002 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV

181-horsepower 3.0L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

97100 mi

US $3200
At 97,100 miles, the timing chain tensioner went causing a total failure of the engine. Saturn estimated a junkyard replacement engine (67K miles) at $3200+. Vehicle was junked. Although not recorded, I spent $2800 in repairs in 2008. What a crappy car. 
170000 mi

US $3000
Failed clutch box in rear end, as well as pinion bearings needing to be replaced. Mechanic also replaced both rear wheel hub assemblies. 
187600 mi

US $110
Flex pipe installed in 2009 failed, replaced. 
177000 mi

US $100
Replace front stabilizer bar drops / hangers. 
192000 mi

US $100
Wheel hub assembly replacement (front) Second time this year. Stay away from Auto Zone Duralast parts for this fix. They don't DURA LAST! 

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See TrueDelta's information for all SUVs
See TrueDelta's information for all Saturn models.

Saturn VUE Expensive Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently Saturn VUE problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.